Around 767 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the first 18 days of December

In a bid to curb road accidents, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has proposed to revise the existing traffic and driving laws in the country which also include the review of the K53 driving test book and regular testing of drivers.

The announcement comes after Transport Minister Blade Nzimande announced that around 767 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the first 18 days of December, which marks a 16 percent increase from the same period last year.

According to RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane, road deaths would minimize if the skills levels and the ability of drivers are improved.

“At this point, these are still ideas internally that we are discussing but we will be revising the K53 manual with the Department of Transport and will see how we move forward with these suggestions,” Zwane said, reported IOL.

He added that the Traffic department is mulling to revise the K53 manual which has remained the same since it was introduced in South Africa.

“The K53 has not been revised since it was introduced in South Africa, and a lot has happened. Even the technology used in vehicles is far more advanced,” Zwane added.

While current regulations require motorists to renew their licenses every five years by performing an eye test, Zwane said that under the new law, they will have to completely redo the driver’s license test every five years.

He added that the RTMC is also looking to put restrictions on new drivers, such as a probation period where new drivers need to be accompanied by an experienced driver in the first six months after passing their driving test. Newly qualified motorists will also be restricted from making long road trips of longer than 150km, with the restriction lasting for a full year upon receiving a valid driver’s license.

Zwane said that the government is also likely to introduce a course for driving school instructors to ensure driving schools have qualified instructors.